Is Invisalign Right For You? Get the Facts
So, you want to get Invisalign in Tacoma? We don’t blame you! It’s a great and effective orthodontic treatment that fixes teeth misalignment issues. A lot of patients opt to get this treatment over traditional metal or ceramic braces because of how convenient Invisalign facts is.
We’re just as excited as you are in beginning your smile journey, but it’s also important to be real with you. So, we’re going to lay down some Invisalign facts so that you know what to expect.
Many people want to undergo Invisalign treatment without fully understanding what it is and whether or not it’s best for their teeth. The best way to find out is by consulting with a reliable orthodontist who cares about your teeth.
Keep reading to learn eight wonderful Invisalign facts that just prove how effective the treatment is.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to shift misaligned teeth into their ideal positions gradually. The clear aligners are made from BPA-free plastic and are molded to fit the patient’s teeth, making every aligner tray uniquely shaped. Because of its plastic component, the clear aligners are virtually invisible, making them unnoticeable to others.
The discreet appearance is what draws a lot of individuals to get this treatment, but there are many more wonderful things that Invisalign provides for patients. Invisalign is relatively painless, the aligner trays are removable, and it has a generally faster duration compared to regular braces.
What Invisalign Doesn’t Treat
Invisalign is a game-changer for orthodontics. While this treatment can resolve a plethora of orthodontic issues, there are still some concerns that Invisalign is not going to be the perfect solution.
Here are some issues that Invisalign won’t work:
- Severe under or overbites
- Larger tooth gaps
- Teeth that are rotated for more than 20 degrees
- Extreme jaw misalignments
- Extrusions and intrusions
- Having short teeth
- Gum diseases
8 Invisalign Facts You Should Know
Are you excited about your upcoming Invisalign treatment or still contemplating whether or not to get them? This is a big decision to make. However, patients are always happy with the results they get.
We’re going to lay down eight Invisalign facts that every patient needs to know before they begin the treatment.
#1 – The treatment cost is more expensive than regular braces
On average, the cost of traditional braces will start at $1,500, whereas Invisalign’s price will begin at $3,000. The exact price will depend on which orthodontist you go to. Some patients want to get Invisalign but cannot afford it, which is why they deter from this treatment.
Fortunately, there are ways to lessen the total cost of the treatment. You can check in with your dental insurance to see if it covers Invisalign treatments. There are also promos with Invisalign where you can score good deals.
#2 – No metal wires or brackets are necessary
Unlike traditional braces that require metal wire and braces for the gradual shift to occur, Invisalign only calls for clear aligner trays. The aligners are made out of plastic and will fit snugly into the patient’s teeth, meaning there won’t be any need for brackets. Patients will be able to smile without people noticing that they’re undergoing Invisalign treatment.
#3 – They are more comfortable than traditional braces
As mentioned previously, traditional braces have metal wires and brackets which can be uncomfortable. Sometimes you’ll have wires poking your inner cheek, which can develop sores or small cuts. Invisalign aligners won’t give you any canker sores or cuts.
Both orthodontic procedures can cause the patient discomfort at the start of the treatment, but Invisalign is nowhere near as uncomfortable (and maybe even painful) as braces.
#4 – They are removable
A lot of patients turn to Invisalign because of its convenience. When undergoing Invisalign treatment, your orthodontist will instruct you to remove the aligner trays when you’re brushing your teeth and before you eat your meal. This is to prevent any staining or damage to the clear aligners.
You may also remove your aligners while taking photos. Just remember to put them back on!
#5 – Invisalign works faster than braces
Invisalign is more likely to be faster than braces due to the fact that the aligners are customized throughout the entire treatment. Within every few weeks, you’re required to come back to your orthodontist’s office to have a new set of aligners.
Invisalign treatment typically takes about 12-18 months (or even less), whereas braces would have a much longer duration than that.
#6 – You have to wear them for most of the day for the best results
Orthodontists will instruct you to wear your clear aligner trays for 20 to 22 hours a day. Even though they’re removable, you’re only supposed to remove your trays while eating and brushing your teeth. If you don’t keep your aligners all the time, then your treatment is going to go for much longer than expected.
#7 – You may have a slight lisp
When undergoing Invisalign treatment, you may develop a slight lisp at the start because of the aligners, and this typically goes away once you get used to it. Although, there’s a possibility that you won’t even notice the difference while talking!
#8 – Every Invisalign treatment is going to be a unique experience
You shouldn’t expect your Invisalign treatment to be exactly the same as everyone else’s. Everyone has different circumstances regarding their teeth. Some may have more severe conditions than you or vice versa.
As long as you focus on taking good care of your teeth, then your Invisalign treatment will go smoothly.
Is Invisalign Suited For You?
Now that you know all of the Invisalign facts, you should be able to determine properly whether or not you want to push through with the treatment. However, it’s still important to consult with an orthodontist in Tacoma regarding your teeth so that they can examine them and assess which treatment would be the most beneficial for your pearly whites.
At Pacific Northwest Orthodontics, we want to make sure you get the best Invisalign treatment possible! Click here to schedule an appointment, and let’s get started!